Gosh, it's been far too long. A new Super Mario game came out and everything! (No, I wasn't waiting, shut up. I don't have the latest console anyway.)
Anyway, in spite of everyone knowing about Super Mario Odyssey, no, I'm not going to be including spoilers relating to it just yet. A quick reference was tossed in about Pauline's new role before, and I have one more, obvious and tacked on reference to it. And yes, I do know how it ends. But, for now, the game is less than a month old, as of writing, so no spoilers for this chapter. No promises going forward, since…well, I don't think it'll take everyone that long to learn.
But, enough on that! We're here for a return to Bowsario goodness, and I've babbled on enough. Enjoy the trip back to Bowser's!
...
The Airship floated away from Mountains, smoldering from the assault it suffered. Coming to the deck, the Koopalings trudged out and watched as the ship sailed, searching the night skies. Soldiers quickly spread apart and cleared space for the Koopalings.
"Pretty sure that Peach could just magic them all away," finally suggested Larry. "I mean, we could check the grounds below, but I think we all know how that would end."
"So, it's official that we failed outright then," muttered Iggy, adjusting his cracked glasses.
"Not quite," contested Ludwig. "That's not entirely—"
"My devices failed, Ludwig's plans went entirely awry, the Princess still lives, and we lost an entire fortress by our own actions." Iggy sighed and knelt down, picking up the jaw and wind-up key from a destroyed Mechakoopa. "Oh, and we lost troops once more, a complete shock."
"Yeah, Ludwig," chimed in Lemmy, "what part of this didn't fail?"
"Well, if we take it from a reconnaissance route—"
"Are you serious?" Wendy dragged her claw over her face. "We lost, Ludwig! Get over your pride and admit it. This isn't the first time."
"Fine, if you want to sulk about losing and feel we gained nothing, feel free." Ludwig folded his arms. "It'll benefit us in the long run."
"If you're thinking that, sure." Roy adjusted his sunglasses. "Don't see much need for squabbling about any of this regardless."
"Roy's right, we shouldn't be arguing," insisted Morton, resting his hands on Ludwig and Wendy's shoulders. "We had an inkling that we wouldn't win this one."
"More like we completely called it," grumbled Wendy.
"But we went through with it anyway," continued Morton. "Point is, none of our crewmembers died, not counting the destroyed Mechakoopas."
"They completely count!" Iggy flopped down, picking at more mechanical pieces. "We spend a lot of time manufacturing these, you know!"
"Plus we can't exactly account for the troops in the fortress," pointed out Lemmy. "Which is…pretty much all on us…"
"We're at war, sacrifices are inevitable," contended Ludwig. "We warned them of the risks, I'm sure they were aware."
"That doesn't—"
"Nothing makes it right." Ludwig gripped his hair. "We just need to make it count, when everything ends."
"Ok, we really screwed up royally," returned Roy. "Like Wendy brought up, not our first time. And like Morton's trying to point out, we're all still together. Foremost, that matters most." His siblings slowly nodded. "Good. So, uh…we'll work on what we report to King Bowser after this."
"You sure he won't kill us over this?" Larry picked at one of the masts. "Soldiers, you've been awfully quiet."
"We, um, we're s-sorry we failed," apologized a red-shelled Koopa. "P-Peach and her f-friends shouldn't have, ah, go-gotten past us."
"Why not? They do every time," mumbled Larry.
"There's no use in dwelling on it," announced Morton. "King Bowser can punish us as he sees fit when we get back to the castle. We made an effort to help him, that's what we went on coming here."
"At least we didn't let them totally reclaim the fortress," added Wendy. "Even if we did lose it."
"True." Morton nodded. "So, I want the whole crew to work on fixing up this ship any way that we can. We'll have Rocky Wrenches patch the full Airship up once we get back home."
"See, the problem there is that you think you're going home."
Morton blinked and surveyed the troops. They gazed around at one another, attempting to find which had spoken up.
"Not very bright, are you, Koopas?"
"Wait, that's coming from above," noticed Lemmy, and pointed at a figure in a crow's nest.
"Really? The clown child?"
"Hey, I'm not—"
"Hush up," warned Ludwig. "Who are you, and what do you want?"
"Me? I'm here on behalf of the Mushroom Kingdom."
Dropping down to a lower part of the mast, the Koopalings and their troops glared at a Toad in long green robes with gold trimmings. He smirked as he tugged on his dark mustache.
"Oh, what a pity," taunted Ludwig. "Sadly, your princess is in another vessel."
"Perfect." The Toad chuckled. "She has no idea that I'm even here, or what I'm here to do."
"Well, Chuckles, don't hold out," snapped Wendy. "Just what are you here to do?"
"Simply returning the favors you pests deliver to us," he murmured.
"Right, sure." Ludwig pointed up at the Toad. "All troops: do whatever it takes to bring that scum down."
Laughing, the Toad reached into his vest and pulled out a thin, wooden wand. He waved it in front of him, and flicked it out after. A small light flashed from it, and a heavy burst sounded below deck.
"What was that?!" Iggy wildly looked about.
"That would be this ship, now plummeting from the sky," called the Toad, and true to his word, the ship immediately began falling.
"H-how did you…?!"
"Did you really think that the Princess was our only source of magic?" The Toad shook his head. "Goodness, not even close. Now, I have no real use for common soldiers, but the seven Koopalings? That can be useful."
"Quick," called Larry, raising his wand. "We have to stop him!"
While the other Koopalings quickly pulled out their scepters, the Toad's movements were faster still, tapping and pointing at each one with his wand. Waving it around and pointing it skyward, green clouds whipped around each Koopaling and himself, flushing them out in a cloud of smoke before the eight disappeared.
Shouting and scrambling, the remaining soldiers struggled to establish a chain of command as the Airship continued to fall from the skies.
[Bowser]
It was over much too soon for me.
My castle came into view ahead of us, as Kamek and Mini-Kamek shouted about reaching home and getting us closer to it. I nodded to them, and grumbled when they returned their attention forward.
Mario rested between my side and the prototype Clown Car; he slept even while the other two shouted. We had spent a good amount of time chatting as we traveled back from Star Hill, but his exhaustion caught up before I could pester him for more than some fleeting deep kisses.
Leaning against the edge of the Clown Car, I propped my head up with one hand and tapped on the rim with the other. Mario yawned behind me, and I glanced back to see him stretch and rise.
"Morning…wait, are we back already?" He scratched by his ear as I nodded. "Huh. That wasn't too long of a flight." It took forever.
"Nah, that was nothing." Clamping my mouth closed, I poorly stifled a yawn. "It was nice spending time away from—"
"Your son."
"What?" I shook my head. "He's the one that I missed the most."
"No, I mean, look."
With a blink, I followed Mario's arm, which pointed up to the top of the castle. Junior waved from the roof, and I jumped up, shaking the Clown Car around.
"Junior!"
"Lord Bowser, please!"
Clenching my teeth, I glanced down as Kamek struggled with his wand. Junior laughed and hopped down to the landing, out of sight.
Sailing down, Kamek landed us down below by the castle gates. Scooping up Mario, I tried to jump out of the Clown Car quickly, but he shouted and I tipped over, dragging it down and crashing out of it instead.
"Sire, do try to contain yourself," called Kamek. I heard his cackling and rolled my eyes.
"Are you ok, Mario?"
"Soft landing helped." He patted my shoulder and arm, chuckling. "What about you?"
"Come on, I've fallen a lot harder than this." That didn't really make it hurt less.
"Toady, clear up the prototype Clown Car." Kamek pointed it to his mini partner as I pulled myself from it. "Put it back in storage and then resume your duties."
"Y-yes, Master Kamek."
Hopping off from me, Mario walked around as I pushed myself to my knees. He held out his hand and I grabbed it, using him to steady myself as I stood back up. Rubbing my chin, I patted my jaw and nodded to Mario, and we walked into the castle.
"Junior?" I passed statues of myself and stood along the carpet of the main hall. "Son, are you here yet?"
"Your castle's a little more difficult to navigate than that," teased Mario.
"Not for him, he'd tear right through this place." I smirked to him. "You usually tear it up, but I don't think that—"
"Well, well." An icy tone cut in, and I winced. Turning back around, I spotted a red-shelled Koopa step forward. "Lord Bowser finally returns. Welcome back."
"Thanks."
"Still dragging Mario around, then?"
"Yeah." I shrugged. "In fact, I think we like each other even more now. What do you think, Mario? Vacation help out, or—?"
"You would honestly joke about this?!" A Goomba rushed out and bounced up and down. "After the whole time that you were away, nothing changed, and you think that you can just come back in here—"
"We were away for important—"
"Hey! Don't cut me off!"
"Did you forget who the king is here?!" My temper skyrocketed. "You will respect me, regardless of whether of not you agree with my motives!"
"Terribly sorry, your wretchedness," taunted a new voice, as a green robed Magikoopa stepped from behind the Koopa. "We don't feel very respectful."
"Are none of you tired of disobeying our orders?" Kamek stepped forward, his wand lifted again. "I was hoping at least Magikoopa dissenters would be quelled over time."
"Not all of us are Bowser's loyal pets."
"True, and yet those closest to the king tend to have the better manners." Sparks crackled from his scepter. "Would you care to oppose me, here and now?"
"That's what we're doing."
They both walked forward to meet one another, but a fireball sailed past Kamek and blasted in front of the Magikoopa. He fell back and crawled away, grasping for his dropped wand. Mario walked forward and flexed his wrist around, fixing his glove.
"W-wait, what gives?" The Goomba stumbled back. "He grabbed a Fire Flower before coming here?"
"That doesn't make sense," noted the Koopa. "His clothes turn white and red." He shrugged. "Then again, not always. Laki?"
Sailing down, a Lakitu raised a Spiny Egg and aimed at Mario. Fire rose in my throat, but Mario lifted his hands, rotating them and twisting a small space of air before him. He narrowed his gaze on the Lakitu, and I watched as winds whirled up around him.
"H-hey, what gives?!"
"Ok, I know Mario shouldn't be able to use wind and air magic!" The Goomba wailed. "They got him new powers!"
"You act like we can't handle magic," snapped the Koopa. "And Mario himself is easy. Fuzz."
Something light bounced from my head and I growled. A black Fuzzy bounced down and hopped up against Mario.
"Like slurping Koopa lips?" The Fuzzy cackled. "I'll give you a real suck!"
He opened his mouth to bite down, but a fireball blasted him from Mario entirely.
My eyes widened, and I turned as a Fire Bro. hopped down from the eastern stairwell. He stomped the ground and leered at the dissenters. Another came from the top, stopping midway down the steps.
"Honestly, folks, I consider that a really bad move," he called to them. "Treason tends to fail, even with bigger groups than you lot."
"Pyro, you and your asinine brother are the real traitors here!" The Koopa stepped up as the Fuzzy bounced back behind him. "You and those other losers are put up to be executed, and instead of condemning Bowser, you all start fawning over him!"
"Gosh, they seem mad, bro," called Pyre. "Guess they wanted us to not get back in our king's good graces."
"Fools!" Once more, the Goomba bounced around. "You're both undeniably fools!"
"Actually, they chose wisely." Hexes soared out and encircled each of the dissenters. Kamek pulled back on his wand, tightening the spells around them. "The rest of you? Not so much."
"Doesn't matter…we'll still have a tiny edge!"
"Doubtfully anything useful."
Kamek snapped his fingers and waved the rod, with the opposition disappearing in a flash from each hex.
The Fire Bros. smirked and nodded to one another. They glanced back to us and hesitated before awkwardly waving.
"Thank you." I blinked and shook my head. "Have either of you seen Junior?"
"The Prince?"
"No, Sire."
"…Hell." I grasped the top of my head and thought for a moment. "Ok, the fastest route would be…western stairwell."
Charging off past a dim series of torches over some shelves and pottery, I raced up the stairs and from the hall. Mario called and hurried behind me, but I couldn't stop just yet.
Punching open the door, I stormed across the corridor and hurried past a bewildered Snifit. Second door, third…sixth, that one.
As I slammed the door open, I spotted Junior hurrying over, and he faltered. A Paratroopa swooped at him, and the fire poured from my mouth.
She fell, however, and crashed on her green shell. The feathers dissipated, as a hammer slammed beside her. Rolling around, she backed away, with a Hammer Bro. aiming at her again.
"You can't stop this, Sledge! This little prince will be—"
Another hex ensnared her and quickly vanished before us. Kamek flew past me on his broom and heaved, dropping from it and slipping from his feet to the ground.
"Boy, if you…" Kamek panted and inhaled deeply. "Don't…run like that…again."
"Papa! Mario!"
Junior hurried over and leapt at me. I laughed and caught him, locking him tightly in my arms. I looked past him at Sledge, who nodded and turned away.
"Ren, Bill, Garen, we're good." He waved and I spotted the three Koopas from further away, who waved and disappeared behind a door further down. Sledge turned back to me. "Our apologies on behalf of that one, milord."
"That's not on you. But thank you for aiding my son."
"He is our Prince." Sledge smirked. "It's our duty."
He nodded and walked down the hall where his companions were, as Mario touched my arm and smiled up to me. I sighed, hugged my son again, and lowered Junior back to the ground.
"Son, I'm so sorry—"
"Papa, you just told the soldier the same thing: you don't need to apologize for the bad soldiers." He shook his head and smiled. "Besides, I'm ok!"
"It's not only about that though," I continued. "I left you for longer than I wanted to, and it's not the first time, but this was definitely not my best—"
"Papa." Junior folded his arms. "That was for Mario."
"Yeah, but—"
"I'm not a baby, Papa. I can handle myself." He paused and scratched over his head. "…Well, besides what just happened with that soldier, but—"
"That's exactly what I was worried about!"
"But I'm still fine!" Junior put up another smile for me. "That was the only real time anything bad happened! And the Toadies warned those guys to help protect me, so that wasn't really bad. Everything else was ok."
"What about the Koopalings?"
"Oh yeah, that too." Junior tugged on his scarf. "Papa, they've caused a lot of trouble!" He waved his hands around for emphasis. "There were a bunch of Toads that invaded the castle and the Koopalings knocked them out and kept them as prisoners!"
"Ok, Junior, son—"
"But wait, Papa, they also took off to the Mountains to try fighting Peach!"
"We heard about that—"
"They could be causing real trouble—"
"Junior, son, please." I rested my hand on his head, and he quieted himself. "The Koopalings have misbehaved and took off to cause more mischief than they can handle, I understand. Not the first time either, but—"
"Wait, wait, 'mischief?'" I flinched at Mario's annoyed tone. "They went off with my Toad friends as hostages, Bowser." He dragged a hand under his cap and over his face. "Last time a Toad was here, I ruined our relationship to prevent him from being that, or worse!"
"Don't remind me," I grumbled.
"How can I not?! They did exactly what I wanted to avoid!" Mario clutched back at his temples. "And they went off to fight Peach to boot." He shook his head. "I mean, granted, we already knew that, but please, don't treat it so lightly."
"All right, I apologize." I rubbed his back and smiled to him. "They're still young as well, Mario. Scary and nasty, but young too."
"Yes, I understand." He held my hand against him. "Sorry, I didn't mean to—"
"Nah, you had every right." I grunted and tapped on my shoulder. "This definitely won't go over well with Peach, though."
"By now, they've already fought." Mario tugged on his mustache. "And you wager that the Koopalings—"
"Lost, more than likely." I shrugged. "They might have done some damage, but I'm positive that they didn't have this entirely worked out."
"Then we have only one fortress remaining." We perked up and turned to Kamek, who darkly gazed into his wand's head. "Only the Skylines remain, and then Peach will likely storm this castle after winning it back."
"Yeah, that's pretty much inevitable by this point." I dragged my claw through my hair. "Doesn't matter, we'll figure out how to deal with her and Mario's friends when they get here. The Skylines aren't that important by this point."
"If they're capable of getting it fully operational, that gives them an exceedingly favorable vantage point over the Mushroom Kingdom, and especially so here," reminded Kamek. "There's a reason we have to plan more carefully with the fortress up there than anywhere else."
"Ok, so, we'll line up some extra forces to guard it and get someone strong to safeguard it for as long as possible," I determined. "Kamek, the important thing right now is handling the Koopalings once they get back here. Either I need to punish them, or at least come up with better plans to keep them in line."
"We can worry about that once they return," argued Kamek. "Lord Bowser, I do implore you to—"
"Great King Bowser!"
Everyone turned around as a Koopatrol hurried from the main hall and over to us. He halted and saluted me, then bowed and knelt down.
"Pardon my intrusion tenfold, milord—"
"Don't worry about it, soldier," I insisted. "You came in a panic, what is it?"
"Out by the courtyard, sire, there's a heavy outbreak of the forces."
"Blast it to bits, already?" I shook my head. "We just dealt with dissenters attacking me."
"You were attacked by them?!" The Koopatrol hung his head. "My most sincere apologies for failing you, milord. The Koopatrol should be better at guarding—"
"Priority for most of you would be the castle itself, not me." I folded my arms. "My soldiers are my responsibility, whether they're attacking my son, Mario, Kamek, or myself." I nodded. "And that most certainly includes dealing with them causing a ruckus outside."
"Shall I assist you in crowd controls, sire?"
"That won't be necessary." I rested my hand on his shoulder. "I need you back by your post, and alert me if anything else breaks out around the castle."
"Of course, milord."
Saluting again, he pivoted around and hurried back from the corridors to his post. I spun around to Kamek and walked up to him.
"W-what are you doing?"
"We need to get up high so I can yell at my soldiers." I scooped Kamek up from the ground. "You're too slow to handle more running around, so we'll do it like this."
"Hey! Put me down!" Kamek wriggled against my grip, but his thrashing was nothing for me. Peach has been far worse than what he attempted. "Boy, you will drop me this instant, or so help me—"
"Can it, you old fart!" I bumped him up and over my shoulder. "That's no way to talk to your king. Didn't you just scold those louts earlier for it?"
"That's different! They're not me!"
"Too bad."
Reaching down, I plucked up Junior with my other hand. He clapped and climbed onto my shoulder. Grinning, I picked up Mario as well, and placed him on the opposite shoulder.
"Bowser, I'm fine with running, you know," he offered.
"No way." I laughed. "I'm not carrying these two and not you. Just you and Junior hold on tight, all right? I'm going to try moving quick again."
"But you're not always that fast—"
Starting with a jump, I chuckled at Mario and Kamek's yelps, and then charged off, with Junior laughing as I ran off. Running this much would definitely bite me back later, but it had been a while, so I wanted to enjoy it.
Passing through the door, hurrying up the staircase around the corner, and zipping along the next hall, Mario and Kamek wailed as I raced onward, with Junior's cheers motivating me to keep it up. I sped around a corner, and leapt over two Shy Guys that carried a supply of spears.
Still, I blazed past a few portraits of my family and jumped past a small set of stairs, bustling around another corner and running past a few windows. I slowed as I rounded the last corner and spotted the courtyard, and panted as I came to a stop before the doors for the balcony.
"If you don't unhand me this instant—" Kamek cried out as I dropped him from my hand, and he crashed on the floor. "…You're despicable."
"Tell me…something new," I managed.
"Whoo! That was great, Papa!" Junior bounced from my shoulder and down my arm, landing back on the ground. "You haven't run around like that in ages!"
"For…good reason…son…"
"Mama mia," was all Mario could manage. I plucked him from atop my shoulder and kissed his cheek as I plopped him back down.
"Some stamina…huh?"
"Yeah!" Junior clapped excitedly. "Can we do that again soon? Can we, Papa, please?"
"Uh…I'll…I'll think about it." I sucked in some air, and slowly released it, as my heart hammered against my chest. "Gotta…get outside…"
"Why not try breathing first?" Kamek threw his hands up, still collapsed on the ground. "Maybe actually consider some words you want to use before going out and watching the chaos unfold?"
"…Maybe, yeah…good idea," I managed.
"Exactly what are those fools fighting about now?" Kamek pushed himself up now. "You would think that they'd be tired of quarrelling about all of this."
"He's the leader of their kingdom," Mario adjusted his hat and turned to Kamek. "They'll always argue about him, his decisions, and their needs, desires. That's what the citizens do."
"Are the Toads usually this out of control?"
"Uh—"
"Of course not." Kamek shook his head. "Quiet, controlled little…hm. Let's not get into that." He tapped his wand on his palm. "Now, what to do with them out there…?"
"What do you mean?"
"We first need to figure out what they're arguing about exactly," instructed Kamek. "Find the source of the outbursts, and then deal out the discipline accordingly."
"Or, we could actually try to hear out both sides and then reason with those opposed," debated Mario. "Instead of punishing others for a different opinion?"
"That's…not exactly how we get the Koopa Troop to fall in line."
"Maybe you need to change your strategies and politics, then?" Mario turned to me. "Bowser, this is your kingdom. But I like to think that you can still come up with different ways to run it, even now."
"Mario, I don't know…"
"It's not weakness to hear out everyone," he reassessed. "They might not have anything good to tell you at all, or no right to complain. They might bring up cruel things about me. But they should still be able to speak their minds."
Stars above, I never try anything like that; Koopas have a far different temperament to them than Toads. But I stared into his deep blue eyes, and he returned a steady gaze. And he's even smiling to me, damn him. Why does that always…?
"Ok, I'll…listen, to some of it," I relented. "But, I'm not letting them get away with insulting you or any threats. I won't tolerate that."
His shoulders dropped as he nodded, but he still smiled, ever focused on me. Unwavering, even with that? Maybe he's relieved that I'm adamant about defending him. I'm not sure, but I smirked back to him.
And with that, I ventured outside and onto the balcony above the courtyard.
Below, I surveyed the two opposing sides: Bob-ombs, Rexes, some Koopa and Goomba forces, Snifits, and a few Shy Guys were gathered together on one side. A smaller but louder group stood across from them, consisting of mostly Goombas, but also a few Koopa troops, Boos, and a few Lakitu folks. One Goomba from the smaller side bounced forward.
"The evidence is literally right over there!" He jumped up and down. "Bowser literally came back with just that Clown Car!"
"It was clearly a risk going out there," defended a Rex. She itched her cheek a bit. "Those that went knew they would be facing risks, and that's why it was a smaller faction."
"They were a solid group of strong soldiers, all the more reason why they all should've returned," snapped a Koopa. "Do you see that xebec that left? I don't."
"It's no better than the forces that the Koopalings took," countered a Bob-omb, as he marched forward. "They took even more soldiers off on the Airship."
"To fight Princess Peach," argued a Lakitu. "That's actually a worthwhile cause! It wasn't to take Mario on a romantic mountain getaway!"
"That's not why they left," contended a Snifit. "It was because of some curse."
"On Mario!"
"And do we know if it was spreading?"
"Who cares?! He had to go for Mario's sake!"
"Exactly what's wrong with that, anyway?"
"He's our enemy!"
"Clearly not lately," called out another Rex, and he hopped up. "We haven't lost any soldiers around here, in spite of Mario roaming."
"Peach has had such liberties in the past!"
"Uh, not to the same extent, no."
"Yes she has!"
"Again, and regardless, he still hasn't done anything terrible lately."
"So what, we just wait around until Peach's forces rescue him, and then he betrays us all?" Another Lakitu flew forward. "I'm not waiting around for Mario to suddenly go around and try to kill us all!"
"Relax, he's not a murderer."
"Are you serious?!"
"Technically, he's not. He doesn't go around killing us at random; we attack first."
"Does that suddenly excuse him?!" A Koopa shook her head. "We're not even addressing the fact that he still didn't bring soldiers back home. Our people."
"Well, why don't we just ask him about it?"
My fist tightened as a Goomba suggested that, and with some dying chatter, everyone turned toward the castle, the balcony, to me. A large sum of the faces dropped from anger into horror, as they waited below me.
Glancing back, I spied Mario and Junior smiling and raising their thumbs, while Kamek shook his head. He stepped forward with his wand out, and I took it from him. I sighed and turned back to the crowds, and stepped forward.
"All right, listen up," I commanded, the wand amplifying my voice like a microphone. Hesitating, I watched as spectators below flinched, and my shoulders tensed. "Uh…back out there, on Star Hill, it, um…a lot happened."
"Considering the lack of the ship, we should hope so!" The Koopa clamped her hands over her mouth, staring up at me with widened eyes.
"The xebec, ship, I left it behind for the others," I explained, fists still tightened. "It's for them to use to get back home."
"So you really left them there?!" A Goomba jumped up and down. "Why would you do that?!"
"They chose to stay," I continued. "They wanted to keep, uh, looking for answers—"
"To what?!"
"Can you not interrupt him?" A Snifit stepped forward and shook her head. "Wait a minute as he explains."
"Oh, don't act like you were supportive from the beginning," snapped a Lakitu. "Your group didn't even understand the fighting to begin with."
"Now we're making it about how each of his forces sided," questioned a Rex, "as opposed to the individual?"
"Weren't your kind not originally on Bowser's side at all?"
"We've been loyal—"
"Oho, not to this kingdom as years have gone by," argued a Boo. "We've fought plenty of wars with no Rexes to speak of, or inflate up thereafter."
"With this kind of squabbling, it's amazing that you get anything done—"
"Excuse you?!" The Lakitu flew up again. "What right do you even have to mock us?!"
"Same as you have to question the king himself, clearly," jibed a Bob-omb.
"What do you care?" A Koopa rolled his eyes. "You're just a tool and weapon to be exploited—"
"Hey, that's enough!" My roar cut over them, and everyone stopped at once. "You're here to question me, and I'll allow that much. But you are not insulting one another's livelihoods, got it?!" I stomped forward. "Bob-ombs are more than just weapons. Rexes are a smaller and less common species. Goombas are small, but give literally everything they have. Lakitu offer vantages and new perspectives." I pointed out over them. "We all have uses for this army, and I don't care who's arguing against what. You will respect one another, even better than I can ever respect any of you. Is that clear?" No one responded. "Good."
After a moment, a Goomba asked, "Just what brought you back, anyway?"
"As you're already aware, the Koopalings, after they left the castle." I surmised. "That is, my son informed me, and I made my way back upon their departure."
"So, with Mario, and without your actual soldiers."
"Again, that was their decision," I reiterated. "They were looking to investigate Star Hill further for—"
"Why does that even matter, hmm?" A Boo floated up a bit over the crowd. "Aren't you the king? Couldn't you have forced your forces back home?"
"Uh…well, on my behalf, they wanted—"
"Who cares what they wanted? They were strong and loyal soldiers," complained a Koopa. "They did their work out there with you, and they should have returned home with you immediately. Not that…" the Koopa paused. "Not just Mario!"
"Kamek—"
"Doesn't count, come on!"
"Look, I couldn't just—they were deciding for our best interests—"
"Certainly not the greater kingdom's," argued a Lakitu. "And clearly not their own! You should have been above that choice and made them come back!"
My hands shuddered and my heart hammered. Though I opened my mouth as I scanned over them, I couldn't muster any more for them. It wasn't even just the soldiers; Mario helped make that decision in the end, and now they questioned it.
"That's…it wasn't easy—"
"Somehow, though, you sound unsure," called another Koopa.
"Listen, decisions like this aren't easily—"
"None of them are supposed to be!"
"Will you just let him finish for once?!"
"If we can't speak our minds—"
"Your king literally just let you!"
"Ha, yeah, sure he did."
"Come on, will you just listen to reason?"
"When the reasons are good, sure."
"Lord Bowser."
Blinking, I turned around and spotted the Koopatrol between Mario and Kamek. Junior watched as he slipped past them and made his way to me, bowing.
"You again?" I shook my head. "Speak, soldier."
"Sire, it's the Airship." He stood back up at attention. "It's been shot from the sky and crashed on its return journey."
"What?!"
"Its crew sent the report to us that they were attacked by Peach and her allies—"
"Oh." I huffed. "That's not really a surprise, then. Of course she'd down the whole ship."
"Milord, though the Koopalings lost to Princess Peach and her forces, they hadn't lost the ship upon ejecting the enemy."
"Wait, what?"
"Another of Peach's forces had unexpectedly appeared, and used magic to ensnare, then kidnap the Koopalings, and then struck the Airship itself from the skies." His head fell. "It's devastated, along with the majority of its crew. Those that managed to withstand the crash, few as they were, sent word to us, and are searching for the Koopalings, but have failed to locate them thus far."
"But…that's not…possible," I pieced together. "They…I mean, they're reckless, but…I didn't…she wouldn't have, she never…" I blinked and faltered. "They're…just kids."
"A little older, sire, but we have attacked their kingdom before, regardless of the potential—"
"Right, but I've never went out of my way to…I mean, I've done that before, kidnapped kids, but I'd never actually, I know my limits…but she…Peach's never…"
"…Sir?"
"…She really isn't different from her ancestors…"
"Hell hath no fury?"
"No, hell doesn't unleash its fury until the Koopas march." I shook my head, and stared at the wand in my hand. Turning, I gazed out at the crowd, and they silently stared back up at me. "…You know what? Honestly, I don't have time for this. For all of you who still hate me, great, go ahead. There are plenty of small settlements that are happy to live under Peach's reign. The troops that are back on Star Hill chose to stay, for my sake, and for this kingdom's sake. We don't understand what's happening there, which is what they're looking into. And that's all I'm adding." Shrugging, I lowered the wand a bit. "I don't have time for this. All I know is that I need to go get the Koopalings."
And I turned away from the crowds, marching back inside. I didn't stay for the parties that erupted into applause and cheered my name. There wasn't another fight from my army that I wanted to interrupt.
Passing the wand back to Kamek, he opened his mouth, but slowly closed it again. Junior hugged Mario, who frowned to me. His eyes calmed me, but it didn't change anything.
Peach was truly playing at my level now.
[Mario]
Bowser had dropped me off at his room before taking off to the Throne Room. He refused to debate the matter with me, though I didn't push it much, not yet.
There isn't a time that I readily recall Peach kidnapping anyone, and I don't remember her extorting before either. That's not who my friend is, and I know her better than almost anyone.
Rolling the tiny Crystal Ball in my hands, I stared down quietly at it, gripping the bed quilt tightly. Merlon had given it to me so we could stay in touch, but I hadn't asked him how to use it.
Once the ball settled in one hand, I reached over it with my other hand, and waved it over the top. Nothing. Rotating my wrist and moving first my index finger out and in, then the little, and then my thumb, I waited until my hand lit up. Again, I waved it over the Crystal Ball, and this time, it lit up.
"Merlon?" I blinked and stared at the ball. "Merlon, can you hear me?"
"Ah, Mario!" His voice sounded as the Crystal Ball's mesmerizing blue aura swirled inside it. "Just a moment, let me just get this out."
In the swirl of the orb, Merlon's image appeared, along with some faint image of his room. Books lined shelves behind him, and he curled his ivory mustache around. He gazed quietly forward, at me.
"Truth be told, I didn't expect you to call me so soon after departing, but…" He squinted a bit, and blinked before his eyes widened. "…When I told you that I would offer my services to assist you," he started, "I didn't honestly expect you needed much help…there."
"Huh?"
"No need to be coy about it," insisted Merlon. "Listen, I know that Bowser is rather large, but I do know some spells that could help—"
"Wait, Merlon, what are you talking about?!"
"You're calling me from Bowser's room while you're alone for the moment," he assessed. "I think we both know—"
"Stars above, Merlon, no!" I smacked my hand over my face and dragged it down. "This has nothing to do with that."
"Ah, I understand now. Is he nearby?" Merlon winked. Then, exaggerating his voice, "Of course not, Mario, I know. Anyway, some spells that can help alter—"
"Seriously, Merlon, it's not that!" Annoyed, I dropped my hand away and held the Crystal Ball out further. "Bowser is in the Throne Room, discussing how to invade Peach's Castle. Apparently, Peach's forces kidnapped the Koopalings. I'm calling for advice on how to handle this!"
"…Oh." Merlon roughly tugged on his long mustache. "Well, that's, hm, that's quite different." Lower, he mumbled, "Beg your pardon, my apologies." He coughed and cleared his throat. "So! That's…quite a conundrum to sort."
"Understatement of this year goes to—"
"Cheeky, very clever." Merlon released his mustache and chuckled. "Well, let me have you direct this, before I make anymore silly assumptions."
"Could you have seen this coming?" I pulled the orb closer. "Is this why you were cautioning me about running into Peach soon?"
"That was a general warning regarding her, not me actually seeing a potential future involving you three," revealed Merlon. "Peach isn't quite so opened minded to her best friend dating her worst enemy."
"Ok, but, did you happen to know anything about this?" I bit at my lower lip. "Did…do you know if Peach planned this, or can you tell me if she will…?"
"Mario, the amounts of scenarios that I can predict and see are countless, even under an isolated incident," elucidated Merlon. "I could tell you that the most likely outcome is that you and Bowser will be fighting Peach's full army upon a poor confrontation by Bowser himself, and yet what could actually happen is that Peach comes knocking on Bowser's doorstep once we finish this discussion." He shrugged to me. "Perhaps, if we discuss the variables…?"
"No, it's probably a lot to go over, like you're suggesting," I determined. "There's no need for you to exert yourself over this, especially in such a small period of time."
"Well, it wouldn't be…ok, it would strain me, but I could—"
"It's already off the table." I pushed my hat back and massaged my forehead. "Besides, we wouldn't have nearly enough time to go over ever scenario. Bowser would already storm Peach's Castle ten times over before we finished."
"Now, it wouldn't take…I don't think we would be that long…" Merlon brushed his mustache again. "…Remind me, how often does Bowser kidnap Peach, again?"
"Not helping."
"Sorry."
"Just advising me while I brainstorm this should suffice," I decided. "What do you think happens if I just let Bowser go?"
"Worst case scenario is that this war blossoms to full-scale, and the final battle takes place at Peach's courtyard instead of Bowser's." Merlon paused and tapped on his hood. "Come to think of it, how often is the final battle held by her castle instead of his?"
"Merlon—"
"My apologies, I digress." He shook his head. "I don't advise you to simply let Bowser carry on with such a plan."
"So, you think that I should stop him."
"Ah…how close is he with these Koopalings?"
"They consider one another practically family."
"Then you won't stop him," realized Merlon. "Bowser is fiercely loyal to those closest to him, as I learned quickly. He could end your relationship over that."
"If…if that's what it takes—"
"Come now, Mario, that solves nothing," persisted Merlon. "If you two were to break up over this, you'd be back to basics, which means that you would only join Peach in raising the scale of this war. I thought your place was to help end it."
"While that's what I want, it might not be about that, in the end," I admitted.
"Gracious Mario, no one needs you to constantly be the hero that sacrifices everything for the greater good." Merlon leaned closer, his eyes twinkling. "You are allowed to be selfish, and you are allowed to love. Truly."
"But—"
"Please don't argue that." His eyes lowered as he looked away. "Some of us would give anything to have that back in our lives."
"…I'm sorry, Merlon."
"No, I apologize. These are your decisions, not mine." He sighed and returned his attention to me. "Though, I think stopping Bowser is ill-advised regardless of it all. If he's planning on marching against Peach's Castle for those he cares so deeply about, anyone that stands between him will be damned to stop him."
"But this doesn't make sense," I debated. "Letting him go will escalate the war, and stopping him will make it worse than that." I rubbed below my nose and itched at my mustache. "Those are the two options that I have."
"Two options are quite limiting, Mario." He chuckled. "I thought you had gone beyond seeing the world in black and white, wrong and right."
"It's complicated, I know."
"So think of your complex options," urged Merlon. "What else can you do…?"
"Um…I'm not sure." I thought for a moment. "Should I, uh…indirectly stop Bowser?"
"Again, I don't think he would appreciate that one bit," returned Merlon. "That shows your resolve to work against him, deteriorating your relationship, and leading right back to you two going against each other." Merlon shook his head. "You do want to be with him, right?"
"Absolutely, of course!"
"Then, don't come up with ways to go against him so harshly," tried Merlon. "Think, perhaps instead, of ways that could work with him, but not entirely…"
"…Then…I go with him."
"Are you mad?" Merlon shook his head. "That's completely out of the question. The entire Mushroom Kingdom will go against you over that."
"No, really, think about it," I insisted. "If I go with Bowser, even if Peach is absolutely sick of the idea of us together, I'm still the best mediator between them." I smiled. "It might be difficult, but I could probably get them to agree to some kind of middle ground. If not for the war itself, then at least to keep the Koopalings safe and prevent making things worse." I nodded. "I could do at least that much, right?"
"That's…not a terrible idea," relented Merlon. "But perhaps, maybe assert yourself against what Bowser would assume you doing there. He might imagine that you'd fight to Peach's Castle—"
"No, we're not doing that at all, not if I go." I hopped up from the bed, and walked along the rug. "I think that I can handle this much with Bowser, and he'll side with me easily on it. It's like you told me, I'm not going against him for it."
"Ah, I suppose not, but—"
"Can I ask you to exert yourself a little bit now?" I held the orb out again. "What's the most likely outcome of my going?"
"One moment…"
His eyes flickered and he turned away, chanting softly. I directed my attention back around Bowser's room, and glanced at his dark furniture, with red runners across the desk. I don't remember him putting up a picture of me before, but it stood there next to a small jewelry box. I smiled to it, and started over until a throat cleared and interrupted me.
Nearly dropping the Crystal Ball, I tightened my grip on it and gazed back into it.
"Sorry."
"That's fine, I only called you once." He winked to me. "Someone seems distracted."
"Merlon…"
"Ha, apologies." Merlon's eyes lowered again. "About this…dilemma, you're having, and yes, I realize it's an understatement."
"But…?"
"Going in there, it appears that Peach is entirely unaware of this matter, the kidnapping, but I couldn't extract information on the one behind it," explained Merlon. "Several outcomes involve things escalating once Bowser fires off about her knowing where the Koopalings are, that she ordered this, and both of their tempers are unchecked as you try to quell them both."
"So…it still goes south."
"Not necessarily."
"Huh?"
"Your being there, for both Peach and Bowser," pointed out Merlon, "it…very specifically is key to calming one or the other in each scenario. If you're able to balance that, if you can get them both to cooperate, then…it's possible to resolve at least this matter diplomatically."
"Then it's settled. I know what I have to do." I smiled and nodded. "Thank you very much for your help, Merlon. That doesn't nearly do you justice for your efforts."
"My, my, so eloquent in a just few words," he murmured, and then chuckled. "It's no wonder that Bowser fell so hard for you."
"Oh, it wasn't that…" I rubbed behind my head. "…Was it?"
"I fail to understand how so many couples are so intimately involved with one another, and yet still question their mutual feelings," mused Merlon. "It's odd, but somehow adorable."
"Please, Merlon…"
"Ha, I'm sorry, but I must poke fun where I can." He stroked his long mustache again. "Tell me, have you had any chance to practice magic yet? I understand that you've just arrived, but—"
"Well, we were essentially attacked upon arrival, so I did get the chance to use some spells," I recalled. "Nothing complicated, but enough to help Bowser and Kamek."
"Very good." Merlon nodded and gazed at me again. "So long as you make use of just a handful of spells, that will at least keep them fresh in your mind, and we'll continue working on them at a later date, hopefully." He paused and closed his eyes, as they vanished under the shadow of his hood. "That is, provided you're interested in learning still after this war."
"Honestly, I'm not sure if I'll have much need for it," I admitted. "Magic is useful, but it might be too much power for my daily use."
"If we continue, I could teach you how to properly temper it," offered Merlon. "Trust me, you do lose yourself in exertion over spells, but it's possible to live with it, so long as you keep it checked."
"Maybe. More importantly, though, I think I'd like to come check up on you and your family out there."
"Goodness, you really are sweet," teased Merlon. "Did Bowser soften you up more, or do you just come like that naturally? I feel the latter, but—"
"Are you done trying to embarrass me yet?" He laughed and my cheeks burned a bit.
"As you wish, I relent." Merlon nodded to me again. "I don't mean to keep you, though I seem to have adopted your tendency of worrying about…many things."
"I don't worry that much." His eyes lowered and I tightened my fist. "Ok, I worry a lot, but everyone does!"
"Mm…"
"Merlon!"
"You make this far too easy," he joked. "Fear not, as you are right: we all have plenty to concern ourselves with. You, myself, Bowser, Peach, and everyone else involved…" He trailed off and sighed. "It's…quite a lot, ever-changing…"
"We can do this though," I reassured. "All of us, together."
"Yes…keep that positive attitude, Mario." He chuckled. "It suits you more than you realize. But, enough of that, go, get to Bowser."
"Right. Thanks again!"
"Anytime, contact me when you're able. Take care."
His image disappeared from the Crystal Ball, and I stored it away. For a moment, I review everything and…blast; I forgot to ask him about Bowser's troops. How could I forget that? Digging back into my overalls, I reached in to pull it back out, but stopped and shook my head.
"Later," I mumbled to myself.
They should be fine, and Merlon can protect them out there. Right now, though…
Pulling the door open, I hurried out from Bowser's room and down the hall. As I raced down the stairwell, however, I crashed right into a wall, and fall backwards.
"Hang on!" Bowser's claws snatched me from hitting the stairs. "Mario, what's going on?"
"Bowser?" I shook my head. "I thought you were in the Throne Room."
"Before, yeah." He blinked and raised an eyebrow at me. "It wasn't a very long discussion, you know. They're familiar with the strategies by now."
"Not with me, they're not," I insisted.
"Mario, there isn't much you need to add." He frowned as he settled me onto a step. "I'm not going to ask you to listen as we plot out…well…"
"Invading Peach's Castle." I folded my arms as he looked away. "Bowser, I understand that you'll do anything to help the Koopalings."
"Yes, I will." He turned back to me, and gazed down. "I'm sorry, but I—"
"I want to help."
His red eyes softened and he took a step back down the step below, throwing an arm against the wall to balance himself. Bowser blinked and stared at me.
"…Did you hit your head that hard against me?"
"Not really." I chuckled and patted him. "Besides, you give soft landings and collisions, so—"
"Don't tell me that out loud!" He blushed and glanced behind him. "Uh…the stairs aren't the best place for this conversation."
"Your whole castle knows that we're dating—"
"No, I meant the invasion…" He sighed and picked me up. "Come on, back this way."
We went back up the stairs and into his bedroom. He placed me down, and I tapped my foot as he sighed.
"Ok, I should've asked before carrying you, sorry." Bowser shrugged. "It's just reflex for me."
"Are you ever going to stop locking me in bedrooms?"
"No." He grinned as I kicked at him. "Come on, how else could I respond?"
"Bowser—"
"Fine, fine." He clawed through his hair as his face fell. "So, explain yourself. You and I both know that you're not attacking your friends." Now his eyes lowered. "And as much I detest it, you would never side with me against Peach."
"No, I can't do that."
"What if we did get married?"
"Wait, what?" My face burned as his lit up as well.
"W-well, I was just wondering, you know…if were married, would you still not side with me, or—?"
"When did you decide on that?!"
"No, I-I didn't," insisted Bowser. "I just…I don't know, I passed by a Snifit carrying a portrait, and it was one of myself in that classy wedding tuxedo, so—"
"You went right to that?"
"Why not?" He shrugged. "Mario, I've tried to marry Peach in countless schemes before. And I know that we're not getting married anytime soon, but the thought crossed my mind before, and it's not going away." Bowser frowned and his shoulders fell. "Didn't you mention thinking about it too?"
"I…y-yes, but—"
"And don't you have that cute tuxedo too, that plain one?" Bowser grinned. "It's not as flashy as mine, but it certainly suits you, if you'll forgive the pun—"
"Bowser, the invasion!"
"Sorry." He frowned again. "I just…I don't…Mario—"
"Can I please get my idea out?" I folded my arms. "I know that it didn't go over well with the arguing troops, but—"
"Actually, I kind of liked that," confessed Bowser. "It was…oddly revealing." He stroked his chin and glanced upward. "So…you do have good ideas." Bowser smirked and winked. "Maybe I'll make a king out of you yet."
"P-please, Bowser…!"
"Ok, ok, I'm done." He placed a hand on his hip. "How are you planning to help me, Mario?"
"What if your invasion isn't one that attacks Peach's Castle?"
"…Yeah, good try, Mario, but I think we can end it—"
"Come on!"
"Sorry. Continue."
"Listen, I could go with you, and we could have a diplomatic visit." I pulled his hands up and held them in mine. "If we go together, Peach won't be as immediately hostile, because I can explain to her about…everything."
"She already knows about this." He lifted our hands up and dropped them back down. "It's not exactly going to be something she doesn't understand already."
"But she doesn't, not entirely, and not from our perspective," I persisted. "Peach is my friend, Bowser, and I'm not letting anyone write her off as some kind of evil tyrant, in spite of everything that you and your people believe about her."
"…I wouldn't expect you to." He softly smiled. "You see a lot of good in people, Mario. And I'm definitely including myself in that."
"Then try seeing it with me." I smiled to him, and interlaced our hands again. "We can go together, and rather than break the walls down, you and I can just get to Peach, ask her about the Koopalings and explain things about what we've done, before and lately, and maybe, if we don't escalate tensions—"
"Oh, no, I can't keep my temper checked right now." He pulled back a bit on his hands, but refused to let go of me. "I…Mario, no. I need to fight for the Koopalings, and no matter what we can level Peach with, she took these kids—"
"She didn't."
"Mario—"
"No, Bowser, she really didn't." His eyes narrowed on me. "I spoke with Merlon while you were planning out your war strategies."
"You what?" He shook his head. "What did that old fool tell you this time? And what stupid flirty cracks did he make about us?"
"…How'd you know that?"
"So he did!" Bowser growled. "Rotten, old, mystical little—"
"You two are oddly alike, now that you mention it."
"…Don't. Even. Joke. Not like that." He shook his head quickly. "Well, what did he tell you?"
"He doesn't know who had the Koopalings kidnapped," I divulged. "But neither does Peach. I had him test a few possible futures that involved us going there—"
"When you come with me?"
"Yes—I am serious about going, Bowser." He blinked to me and nodded as I continued. "Thing is, you and Peach both get set off easily over one another's rough accusations and poor chemistry, so…it's not easy if you go in ready to fight with her and tell her that she's lying about the Koopalings."
"But she has to know!" Bowser opened his mouth to continue, but hesitated.
"Because every monarch knows everything that goes on in the kingdom?" I raised an eyebrow. "Is that why your dissenters are so in-line after all?"
"That's…kind of a low blow."
"Sorry."
"No, don't be." Bowser nodded. "It was a fair one, and you're right." He rubbed my hands but tapped his foot. "If that's the case, though, then…who would go against Peach like that?" Bowser tail swayed a bit. "She…has a sturdy grip of control, I thought. So, who went behind her back?"
"Honestly, I'm not sure at all."
"That old steward?"
"Toadsworth?" I shook my head. "No way, he's loyal to Peach like Kamek is to you."
"Kamek does stupid things without my knowing."
"Would he do something that goes entirely against your wishes?"
"Not…seldom, if ever…" Bowser puffed out his cheek. "Ok, I can't come up with a time that he did, but I'm sure at some point…"
"He's loyal, Bowser. Both of them are." I gently bounced his hands in mine. "It wasn't him, and it wouldn't be any of my friends. Regardless, if we go together, we can help her figure it out, and we can get the Koopalings back." I smiled to him. "There are peaceful ways to resolve such matters, Bowser, really. If Peach knew about this, wouldn't she make demands by now?"
"…Yeah, I guess…" He slipped his hands from mine and raised his against my cheeks. "Mario, I still don't want you to go."
"I have to." I held his hands against me. "I'm the best option to mediate between you two."
"But you'll look like an enemy to the Mushroom Kingdom," he argued. "Mario, I can't have you risk that for me. I've…I've taken enough from you by now."
"We went over this already."
"Not like this," he contended. "Mario, this is literally the Mushroom Kingdom that will witness you…going against them and with me." Bowser shook his head. "I'm their go-to villain, Mario. I can't have them think of you like they do me. I won't."
"That's…sweet, but my call."
"Please, Mario…"
"We can figure that out once we get to it," I decided. "I know what I can do, and if going with you helps, then that's what I'm doing."
"But—"
"Bowser, I trust you." He jolted back and blinked at me. "My reputation be damned, I trust that you will work with me and get this sorted out as peacefully as possible. And I need you to trust me when I tell you that I can help get the Koopalings back, and that I'll do it without fighting."
"…I can't promise that nothing will happen," admitted Bowser. "If anyone attacks us, we're going to attack back. And I absolutely need to keep you protected, from both my forces and hers."
"You will." I smiled. "I believe in you."
"Ah my Stars, Mario…" Bowser beamed to me and wrapped his arms around me. "When you put it like that…Mario, I…" He hesitated, and I wrapped my arms under his. "…I trust you too. I already believe in you, so…" He pulled me close. "…Ok, we'll plan this back out with my troops tomorrow."
"Later tonight."
"Aw, but what about spending the night with you?" His toothy grin lit up. "After all, we can't go out too exhausted from our last adventure, right?"
"You will tell your forces about our change in plans later tonight," I reiterated, and he scowled. "But…we can spend…most of tonight together…"
Bowser's face lit back up instantly and swept down, kissing me. He pushed me back and then spun, dragging me onto the bed with him. Again, he scooped my face back into his, and we pressed our lips together again. Breaking apart, we gasped for breaths, but refused to part from one another, breathing in each other's faces. Bowser pulled me closer still, and nuzzled his nose against mine.
"I thought we were avoiding the exhaustion," I teased.
"This won't be exhausting," he insisted. "You're just going to tickle me with that mustache, and I'm going enjoy every second of it."
"Oho!" I reached forward at him, but he laced his hand into mine, and held me there for a moment. "What is it?"
"Hang on a minute."
We paused and waited for a moment; I listened to our hearts, the rhythm calming me more than usual. He sighed and smirked again, resting his free hand against my face.
"What's wrong?"
"Oh, it's been so long since we've had a comfortable moment alone," he claimed. "The Clown Car was fun, but this…is better." He sighed. "I guess I was just waiting for one of the troops to come in and ruin it."
"Doesn't look like it." I bent my head backwards and stared upside down at the door. "Nope, not at all."
"How long can you hold that pose?"
"Don't even think about it."
He released an exasperated sigh, and his weight pressed down against me. I turned back to Bowser and he smiled down to me, adding in a wink.
"Nice and comfy?"
"You're squishing me."
"Nah, that's not squishing." He lowered himself, and now I really had his weight against me. "There you go. Better?"
"Can't…breathe…"
"Ha, didn't think…are you smiling?" I was, and he laughed. "How are you enjoying that?"
"Not…just…you." He lifted back up and I inhaled again. "Ah…better. You were nice and warm though."
"Yeah, and you like it."
"Very much."
"Good…" He paused and glanced at the door. "…You know, I'm really waiting for someone else to ruin this."
"Why?"
"I don't know." Bowser shrugged. "I'm used to having nice things last for a bit, only to have it ripped from me."
"We've had some good moments together."
"And plenty of them interrupted."
"Well, where are Junior and Kamek?"
"Out training," divulged Bowser. "Kamek offered. I think it'll help take Junior's mind off of things, and he hasn't practiced in a while." He grinned. "I wasn't planning on this today, but I do like how everything worked out. Maybe I should do this more often."
"Hey, don't shirk on your responsibilities," I scolded.
"My boyfriend is worth the distraction." He lightly kissed me again. "Don't argue, because you are."
"Maybe…once in a while."
"More than once."
"Bowser."
"Mario…" He exaggeratedly sighed dreamily. "Oh, Mario…"
"Quit it."
"What, don't you like me obsessing over you?" He laughed. "Come on, don't tell me you don't want to hear me calling your name with such vigor, passion—"
"I thought I wrote the sappy lines," I deadpanned.
"You know, I thought we were trying to have a moment, here." Bowser sat up and folded his arms. "Forget anyone else ruining it, you can do that all on your own."
"Aw, don't be like that." I pushed myself up and into him, gently pinching his cheeks. "You're so adorable, throwing little temper tantrums—"
"Hey, quit that!" He growled softly as I giggled. Bowser softened and giggled with me. "Stop laughing, you sound too cute."
"That only gives me more incentive to continue, you know."
"Fine, keep going." He pushed back into me, his arms wrapped around my back. "You'll only make this harder on yourself."
"Not really talking me out of it," I teased.
"Maybe I'm not trying to," he whispered. Bowser leaned in closer, hot breath splashing against me. "After all, I'm enjoying this."
"Really?" I lowered my eyes. "I couldn't tell."
"You want me to make it obvious?"
"I think you want to."
"Of course I do."
Again, he pressed his lips into mine, and I pushed back. We kissed, our mouths opened and we went into each other. Breaking apart, I couldn't help but wipe some drool on my face. He chuckled and gently stroked it away, entrancing red eyes lowered. My hands went back against his face and I pressed into him, kissing him again, tighter this time. A laugh escaped him as he came back into me, but he coughed a bit and pulled away quickly.
"Too much?"
"Hang on, just a second." He cleared his throat and shook his head. "Maybe we do need air after all." I laughed as he came back into me. "But no, it's never too much with you." His claw slipped under my hat, fingers stroking through my hair. His smile lit up again, and he continued to brush through it.
"Like that?"
"Love it."
"Good." I reached up and mimicked the motion, brushing against his. "Yours is nice too…"
"Yeah…ok, break's over."
He brought his lips back into mine and we kissed, hands running through hair, sliding back down to each other's faces. Bowser kissed down still, nuzzling into my neck and sucking a bit. My hands worked behind his head and I unsnapped his collar, taking it from his neck. He lifted his head from me, and our eyes met, locked with one another yet again. We both beamed to one another, as I placed the collar aside.
Tomorrow would be very difficult, but tonight didn't have to be.
...
Aw, wasn't that adorable? They're planning on storming Peach's Castle as a couple! So cute.
Yeah, I definitely missed writing for Bowser and Mario smooching together, so I wanted that added in somewhere. Maybe it doesn't make sense to get so wrapped up, considering the circumstances, but it's the 40th chapter, I'm having my fun with their romance. If I say they kiss, then they kiss! And cuddle and and giggle and stuff.
Anyway, the serious bits. Yes, the Koopalings were kidnapped! And yes, you might know who it is, if you go back and read back about some minor characters that you thought I'd never use again. Mwahahaha…I use everyone with a name! To a degree, I guess. But yeah, I like the idea of Peach, Bowser, and Mario trading around their canon game roles, so while Peach isn't responsible for it, she seems like she made a Bowser move, Bowser's ready to rescue like Mario, and Mario's trying to find peace from it all like Peach would. Yay, the trio!
Bowser's forces are still divided, though at least his supporters are speaking up for him. He usually has this domineering presence over his army, and while that hasn't always been the case in this story, I did want to explore Bowser at a more level-headed approach with them. Who better to bring that one out than Mario? Even if Kamek would rather them fall in line, it wasn't a complete mess.
And yeah, I brought Merlon back right away; he's fairly important, so no forgetting about him! But he's got that mentor/advisor role for Mario, which goes nicely for them, since Bowser has Kamek and Peach has Toadsworth. It's nice when everyone has a good support chain to follow!
Some things got moved around with my plans between chapters, but I made sure that this one worked out pretty well, and I think it turned out ok. We'll see how it falls into place going forward. Next chapter, we'll bounce back to Peach, Luigi, and friends, but it'll be back to Bowsario for the chapter after. I've still got a few tricks up my sleeves, some dramatic character relations to explore, and a few more plot points to hit.
For now, though, that'll be all. Feedback is super great, so I would love to hear from you guys again! Comments and questions are welcomed. And, if you're still very excited about Super Mario Odyssey, feel free to message me about that too! Spoilers, though, keep in direct messages or off of reviews/comments, please. I personally don't own a Nintendo Switch, as I don't have much time for it, but I still do like keeping up to date on Mario games. In fact, I think I forgot that re-release of Mario & Luigi, with the spin-off of Bowser's Minions. I should go watch videos about that, I missed out!
Not much has changed with where this story stacks up against the other fanfics, but that's good, because that means the gains are balanced enough to keep it in the same spots as before. I'm hoping that Odyssey might net some new folks that are interested in exploring the lovely goodness of Bowsario, but we'll see.
That's more than enough from me, though. I didn't even plan on this chapter being as long as it ended up, so I'm happy about that. On here, it's getting very close to breaking 300k, so I'm really looking forward to that happening with the next chapter! Almost made it this time, and it should come just short of it, but I can't force out more than we already have. Besides, it saves something special to happen with the next chapter.
Once again, thank you all so much for reading and for your support! I've got a lot going on, but I am looking to keep this fanfic going. Slow and steady, honest. Thank you again, and until next time, be well and take care!